JSI Tip 6590. The domain controller for Group Policy operations is not available?

When you open or edit a domain Group Policy Object (GPO) on a Windows 2000 Server, you receive:

The domain controller for Group Policy operations is not available. You may cancel this operation for this session or retry using one of the following domain controller choices:
The one with the Operations Master token for the PDC emulator.

The one used by the Active Directory Snap-ins.

Use any available domain controller.

When you try to use any of the options, you receive:

Failed to find a domain controller. There may be a policy that prevents you from selecting another domain controller.

This behavior is symptomatic of either of the following:

File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is not enabled on the domain controller.

The TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper service is disabled.

Enable File and Printer Sharing

1. Control Panel / Network and Dial-up Connections.

2. Right-click Local Area Connection and press Properties.

3. Check File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks and press OK.

NOTE: If File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is not listed, press Install / Service / Add / File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks.

Enable the TCP/IP NetBIOS Service

1. Right-click My Computer and press Manage.

2. Expand Services and Applications.

3. Expanded Services.

4. Double-click TCP/IP NETBIOS Helper Server and set the Startup type to Automatic.

5. Press Start.

6. Press Apply and OK.